Centrifugal ore-separator.



P. F. PEGK. GBNTRIPUGAL ORE SEPARATOR. APPLIQATION FILED JULY 22, 190B.

Patented Apr. 6, 1909.

14 3 SHEETSB HEET .1.

Hi ll 4 I I W .4 wa wwl INN W l I t a a w m w fl 1 & w fi P. F. PEOK.

GENTRIFUGAL ORB SEPARATOR.

AIYLIUATION FILED JULY 22, 1908.

Mm 9T, o w@% 7 PHILIP F. PEOK, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

CENTBIFUGAL ORE-SEPARATOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

fatented April 6, 1909.

Application filed July 22, 1908. Serial No. 444,787.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PHILIP F. PEoK, a

citizen of the United States, residing at Chi ca e, in the county ofCook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Centrifugal.OreSeip-' arators, of which the following isa speci cation. I r

The objects of myinvention are to construct a separator employingcentrifugal force and assisting agencies for separation of particles ofwaste andvalue in pulverized ores while mixed with liquid, in the mostcomplete manner, With as, slight a loss as possible, as hereinafter morefully set forth,

and of the same general character or class as those illustrated in my aplications SerialNos. 453,526 and 453,527, th filed September 17, 1908,and'application Serial No. 456,060, filed October 3, 1908.

.In the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a side elevation of therotatable portions and the frame of my separator, as well as showing thelaunderintransverse central section. isa top plan view of my se arator.

. Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical centra section of my separator,excepting the frame, which is shown in side elevation. Fig. 4 is princially an enlarged transverse section of the left side of the mainrotating arts, similar to that illustrated in Fig. 3, ut with theflexible portion shown partly expanded and with liquid shown present asit occurs during operation. Fig. 5 is similar to Fig.4 except that theliquid is not illustrated present, and the flexible portion is shown ascontracted to substantially its minimum size. Fig. 6 is a transversesection of my separator, on line 6-6, of Fig. 3, looking'in thedirection of the arrows, showing a distended state of the flexibleportion, as in Fig. 4. Fig. 7, is a vertical cross section of theflexible covering element to the deflector, removed and broken near itscenter to reduce the size of this figure. Fig. 8, is a transversesectional view similar to Fig. 4 of the separator, showing a modifieddeflector supporting part. Fig. 9, isan outside elevation of afragmentary segmental art of the deflector supporting structure,'lustrating the modification presented in-Fig. 8.

in making my improved centrifugal separator, I provide a member having aseparating surface, which. member I prefer to be in the form of a vesselA, with a closed bottom and substantially open top. The bot tom of thevessel has a central hub B, that engages rigidly a shaft C, that ismounted in journal boxes D and D, respectively, to support itvertically; the journal boxes are attached to a suitable generalsupporting frame E of the separator, and the lower-en of the shaft isstepped on .an anti-friction bearing F, (Fig. 3) to carry its weight.The vessel A is turned smoothly on its inner wall, which affords theseparating surface G, over which the substances to'be separated pass, a

as hereinafter described, and the rim of the open or upper edge of thevessel is flanged outward as shown and indicated by H, which flange hasan annular recess at its outer top edge, around into v-rhich thedepending part of the ring I, is seated. I The rin 'l, from'itsdepending part extends inward some distance toward the axis of thevessel, thereby partly closing the o ening in the top of the vessel. Thedepep ing part on this ring is some greater in width than the depth ofthe annular recess in the flange H, so there is left between the ringand the flange, when the two are seated together, an annular space J.The vessel is preferably made larger at its open end then at its closed,thereby inclining its walls and the separating surface outward from thebottom of the vessel as illustrated toward its top. .The rirg 1, extendsa greater distance toward the axis than the extent of outward slant orinclination of the Walls of the vessel, so that the bore or opening ofthe ring is less in diameter than the diameter of the bottom of thevessel, resulting, when desired during operation, in a suilicient bodyof the liquid, supplied to the vessel, being retained in the vessel tofill the separating passage and submerge its inner walls and theseparating surface. The ring I is held in place on the flange of thevessel by the screws K, which pass through the ring and are threadedinto the flange as shown. This ring around its outer diameter, throughits de ending part is provided with a row of screw tlireaded holescommunicating with the space J, into hich are placed plugs L, that areprovided ith small holes L shown in Fi s. 4 and 5, of suitable size topermit of (ischarge of liquid and material from the vessel, yet toretain a sufficient quantity in the vessel to fill the separatingchannel and submerge the separating surface, as above stated.

Located inside of the vessel A, and to gether with said vessel forming aseparating the inside of the vessel A, thereby leaving the separatingpassage -M, adjacent to the separatlng surface, it is also somewhatshorter than the inside of the vessel A,-and

has a central hub O, which securely and rigidly engages thelower portionof the sleeve P, that is mounted in a rotatable manner around thecentral shaft C.

Between the u per end of the hub B, and

the lower end 0' the sleeve P, I provide a bearing Q, (Fig. 3), which ispreferably of an anti-friction type; this bearing is' of sufficientthickness to hold the bottoms of the vessels A and N apart, and leave acomparatively small space R between them as shown.

On the upper end of the sleeve'P, I provide a pulley S, by whichthesleeve with the deflector may be revolved differentially to the vesselA, by means of any suitable belt (not shown) from an a propriate sourceof power. Around the hu O of the deflector vessel, 1. provide a ring T,which rises above the bottomof the vessel and forms a feed chamher U.The ring has a central opening at its top, considerably larger than theouter diameter of the hub O, leaving an annularw space around the hubthrough which liquid and'material may be introduced into the feedchamber U. This ring T has an outwardly extended flange at its loweredge, that fits in the recess inside of the raised boss V on the bottomof the deflector vessel, and

j is tightly secured to the vessel by the screws W; Near the outerdiameter of this feed chamber, I provide a number of holes X, throughthe bottom of the deflector vessel, which serve as material and liquidfrom the feed chamber down into t 1e space R, whence such materialandliquid actuated by centrifugal force may be driven into the separatingpassage as hereinafter described.

The deflector member, :in addition tothe supporting part or element N,which isillustr'ated as a vessel, embodies a flexible part. which Iprefer to form by surrounding the circumference of the supporting partwith an expansible element Y that may be in the nature of a suitablepiece of rubber fabric, jacket or tubing securely and appropriatelyfastened to the supporting part. The fastening of this expansibleelement to the supporting vessel or element N, is preferably effected bytightly winding several strands of wire Z around. over the desiredplacesand twisting or otherwise suitably securing the ends of thewiretogether. In thisway the larger part of the circumferential area ofthe deflector vessel and the expansible jacket element areunattached,"and form facility for expansion chambers 2, which areadapted to receive liquid under pressure for expanding the jacketelement to enlarge the. deflector and proportionately decrease the depthof the separating passageas hereinafter. described. The strands of wirewrapped around this expansible element estab ishes completesubstantially liquid tight partition or division between these expansionchambers, making them closed or practically so with respect to eachother, and cause the expansible member to be revolved with the deflectorvessel during operation.

deflector vessel,-one of which is located preferably in transverseaxillar alinelnent with each of the expansion chambers;

Around the bottoms of these ring shaped troughs are several holes 5,extending from the channels 4 in the troughs through the wall ofthedeflector vessel, and communicating with their respective expansionchambers. During operation of the separator, liquid introduced into thechannels 4 is in part driven b the action of centrifugal force throughthe holes 5,.into the expansion chambers 2, becoming expanding liquid,and by liquid pressure distending or expanding the jacket element Youtward, enlarging the I diameter of the deflector and proportionassagesately diminishing the size or depth of the space M, which is theseparating The degree of expansionfof this jac ret e e ment dependslargely on the quantity of liquid introduced and maintained in thechannels 4, as heremafter more fully exlained. As means'for introducingliquid into-these channels 4, to effect expansion, there is provided apipe 6, having branches 7 with their delivery ends in position to flowthe liquid into the respective channels, and in each of these branchesis a valve 8, which affords facility for independently regulating thesupply of liquid flowed into the different channels 4, resulting in thedegree of distention 'of the expansible clement over the area of thedifferent expansion chambers and separating surface,' being regulatedand governed independently of each other.

The accumulation or quantity of liquid for efiectlng expansion, which itis desired and ern itted 1n the separator is not only regu ated by thevalves 8, but any excess lessens the liquid pressure in the expansionchambers and permits a proportionate con-- traction of the jacketelement or portion N and consequently enlarges the separating passage asdesired, thereby t5. conduits form means for limiting quantity of liquidcx'ertnig expanding pressure on tlc jacket or expansible element,independently of the rotating speed of the deflector mem her, andtogether with the movali-ly supporting rods 10, hereinafter described,form variable and adjustable means for regulating and limiting suchexpanding pressure. The amount of expanding liquid removed from eitherof the channels 4, and their associate expansion chambers, will dependon how far the operatin end of the conduit 9 affecting it, is mover outtoward the bot tom of that channel 4.

The conduits 9 are supported by the rod 10 through the swiveled camps l1and may be independently adjusted to bring their scoop ends in or out inposition to remove the expansion liquid from a greater or less I l viceversa. During operation of the separadepth in the channels 4, and thedelivery ends of these conduits may terminate at any suit-able place todispose of the removed liquid but I have illustrated them in position todeliver it into tlc feed chamber I), of t2 e separator, whence it passesthrough the separating passage.

Water or other liquid with material to be separated is fed to theseparator from any suitable source of supply, through a conduit. which Ihave shown as a ipe 12, with its end entering the s ace lea. ing intothe feed chamber U. F iom the feed chamber, during operation, the liquidand material pass through the holes X, down into the space It, and,actuated by centrifugal force, are driven up into the se arating passageM with pressure resulting rom said force on the liquid in the separatingpassage as well as by the force on progressively following liquidflowing in the space R. The pressure of the liquid in the separatingpassage exerts a resisting force on'the outer-surface or wall .of theexpansible element Y, to the latters expansion and at the same time, andthereby exerts -a liquid compression force thereon, so

scooping the liquid out of the channels at a grea or distance from theaxis,

that it f0ll0\ that during operation, while liquid is in the separatingpassa e, being ac-' tuated by centrifugal force, and iquid is also inthe expansion. chambers, being actuated by centrifugal force, theexpansible clement under pressure and will yield in expansionorcontraction as the case may be, to the body of liquid which exerts asufficiently greater or excess pressure to effect suchresult. 'l hus,while operating between yieldable expansion and compression'forces, itwill automatically vary the size of the sepa rating passage inconformity with the variation of the expansion and compression forcesoperating against its respective sides. If it is desired duringoperation toprocure a of the deflector, w ich will decrease the ing endsof the conduits 9, may be adjusted nearer to: the separator axis andermit a greater accumulation of liquid in t e channels 4, resulting in adee or column of liquid accumulating in the eel channels being actuatedby centrifugal energy and exerting a consequent greater expanding liquidpressure against the inner Wall of the expansible 'element. Thiscondition may be developed. sufiiciently to over-balance the compressionpressure of the liquid in the separating passage and effect expansion tothe extent wished. If it is desiredto produce greater expansion in oneof the expansion chambers than in another, the position of the conduit 9which operates with respect to that particular chamber may be adjustedindependently to permit a deeper accumulation of actuat ing expansionliquid for that chamber, and

tor the vessel or member carrying the separatingsurface is revolved at adesired rate of speed by a belt (not shown) passing around the pulley13-, from any suitable source of motive power, and the deflector isrevolved at a suflicient speed differential to the separating surface toeffect purposes desired. During this time, has been liereinalmveexplained, the expansible element orfpertion of the deflector isoperating bctweentlre, expanding pressure of the liquid in the expansionchambers and the compression pressure of liquid in the separatingpassage, and from the fact that this expansible element or portion issecured to its supporting part N, it rotated therewith, anddifferentially to the vessel A, the separating surface and the liquidand material in the separating pa sage, and through the instrumentalityof the liquid in the separating passage transmits a liquid scouring orwa hing friction on. the separating surface, or material that may bethereon. The effectiveness of this scouring friction and its practicalresults in aiding separation l depend largely on the nearnessofoperating Y is operating between two bodies of liquidgreater degree ofex ansion and greater size depth of the separating passage, theoperatill) llZ)

proximity of the flexible element to the surface where separation isbeing effected, and to obtain the desired nearness 'of operating ositionof these differentially moving surfaces, and consequent intensity offrictional wash, a sufficient quantity of liquid may be introduced andmaintained in the channels 4 pansion pressure to-effect this as aboveexplained, to create requisite expurpose, and

as separated material lodges an beds on the separating surface,contracting the separat-,

the channels 4, as such accumulation occurs,

the expansible element will be automatically forced backward, but not inso satisfactory manner as when part of the liquid is gradu ally removedfrom the channels 4.

In operation the liquid, which I prefer to be water, with finelypulverized material to be separated, in a state to flow freely, isintroduced into theseparator through thepipe 12her'einabove described,and is driven into the separating passage, the liquid accumulating in asufficient body to fill the separating passage, the lighter portion ofthe material withthe liquid then passes up over the separating surfaceand over its top edge into the space J and to discharge through smallholes Lin the'plugs L, While the heavier parts of the material lodge onthe separating surface. At the beginning of the operation the member Yis expanded to approach within a short distance of the separatingsurface in order that its washing friction for assisting in separationmay be sufliciently effective, as well as to prevent 1rregularities oruneven-f ness m the bedding of separated mater al.

As the operation proceeds and the separated material accumulates in abed on the 'sepa rating surface, filling the'separating passage to thatextent, the flexible element Yis progressively contracted until therehas been a sufficient quantity of separated material or concentratesbedded in the separating channel to practically fill it, then the flowof water with the material for separation is discontinued by closing thevalve 14, and the speed 1 of the vessel having the separating surface isdecreased to a comparatively slow velocity, which lessens the degree ofcentrifugal force by which the bedded. material is held on theseparating surface, and clean water is introduced by means of the branchpipe 15, which connects with a suitable source of referably clean watersupply, the volume 0 which is regulated by the valve 16.. The high speedplace desired.

of rotation of the dellcctor is maintained dur ing this time, whichgreatly increases the differential velocity, and automatically theintensity of the securing force in the separat ing channel.- Theintensity of the securing force is automatically increased because thepressure in the expansionchambers remains security, causes this materialto quickly yield and be carried out and dischargedwith the Water orother liquid through the holes in the plugs L where it is caught in thelaunder 17, and as dischargedfrom said launder through the opening 18,may'thc-n be diverted to any The launder is supported by the bracket 19,and has a removable coveror top. 20, While-the bedded accumulation ofseparated concentrates is being-removed, the pressure of the liquid inthe expansion chambers forces the flexible element outward, keeping itsoutside surface in close operating proximity for effecting that purpose,and if desired during thistime, expansion may be further augmented bypermitting a greater accumulation of liquid in the channels 4. After theaccumulation of separated material has been discharged, the greaterspeed of rotation of the vessel 'A is restored, the clean Water valve 16closed and the material valve 14 opened and the operation is repeated.

there is then a more excessive expansion pressure being exerted on theflexible element than required to best facilitate separation it may bereduced to the desired extent by removing part of the liquid from thechannels 4 by means of the pipes 9. The ipes 6, it Will be seen, aresuitably supported by the arm 21, and the rod 10 is also adjusta-blysupported to this arm by the bracket 22, through which it passes. Thepipe 12 is secured to thegeneral frame of the separator as illustrated.I I 1 j In the modification shown in-Figs. 8* and 9, l[ have employed asupporting element for the flexible member 23 more inthe form of framework than is the deflector vessel 11, shown in other figures, and I havealso o1nitted the. channeled rings 3, employing instead a partition ring24, Fig. '8; which, together with the element 23, forms annular liquidchannels or receptacles- 25, from which the liquid passes readily intocontact with the flexible member Y, through the openings in thesupporting element 23.

By the term separating surface in the specification and claims I mean itin a broad sense and not necessarily to imply a con tinuous smooth evensurface, and of course it will be understood that the various rotamember a separating passage which is adapttable thereto in part formingwith said first table parts of theseparator will be finished true andconcentric, or otherwise made in a manner to permit them to subserve thepurposes desired and to be revolved at a suflil ciently high speedwithout serious vibration. i I prefer that all parts where practicablebe E turned smooth and even. I desire to further state that in thespecification and claims where I have used the expression that thevessel or member having the separating surface and the member having theexpansible element together form the separating pas-. sage, I do notmean to necessarily imply that they wholly form such passage, as theymay only in part form it and still come within the scope of my meaning,claims and invention.

Vlfhat- I regard as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1.. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberhavin a separating surface, a member differentijly rotamember aseparating passage, the second member embodying an element in proximityto the separating surface adapted to be ex panded by li uid pressure,and means adapt- Y ed to supplyiquid for effecting said expandingpressure, substantially as described.

2. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberforming one Wall of a separating assage, and a member differentiallyrotatab e thereto in part forming the separating passage which isadapted to contain a body of liquid while in operation, the secondmember embodying an ele ment adapted to be expanded by liquid ressureand to be periodically contracted by pressure of liquid in theseparating passage, substantially as described.

3. In a centrifu al separator, the combination of a rotatab e memberhaving a separating surface, a member differentially rotatablethereto,'forming in part with said first ed to contain a body of liquidwhile in operation, the said second member embodying an exterior elementadapted to hold liquid While in operation and to be expanded andcontracted by liquid pressure actuated by centrifugal force,substantially as described.

4. In a centrifu al separator, the combination of a rotatable member,forming one wall of a separating passage, a member differenti'allyrotatable thereto, in part forming said separating passage which isadapted to contain a body of liquid while in operation, the secondmember embodying a substantially non-expansible supporting element andan expansible element adapted to hold liquid While in operation and tobe periodically expanded and contracted by iquid pressure actuated bcentrifugal force, and means for supplying liquid for effecting saidpressure, su stantially as described.

5. In a centrifugal separator, the combiseparating passage,substantially as described.

6. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable vesselhaving a separating surface, a member differentially rotatable to saidvessel, forming therewith a separating passage, said member embodying ayieldable portion adjacent to the separating passage adapted to besubjected to liquid pressure on both of its sides while in operation andto yield toward or from the axis of rotation forced by the liquid on itsside which exerts the greater pressure thereon and adapted to generateliquid frictional force within the separating pass-age, substantially asdescribed. 7. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatablemember having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatablethereto forming with said first member a separating passage which isadapted to contain a body of liquid while in operation, means forsubjecting said liquid to the action of centrifugal force, the secondmember embodying a flexible element adjacent to the separating passage,which element is adapted. to contain a body of liquid and to yield 1n"expansion or contraction to the liquid on its side exerting relativelyexcess pressure thereon and means for subjecting the liquid in theexpansible element to the action of centrifugal force, substantially asdescribed.

8. In a centrifugal separator, the comb-ination of a rotatable memberhaving a separating surface, a member differentially rotatabletheretoforming with said first member a separating passage, the second memberembodying a yieldable element adapted to be expanded by liquid pressurein relatively varying degrees throughout parts of its area,

and means for supplying liquid expansion pressure in relatively varyingdegrees throughout different parts of the area of said element,substantially as described.

9. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberhaving a separating surface, and a member differentially rotatablethereto forming with said first member a separating passage which isadapted to contain a body of water while in operation, the second memberembodying an element adapted to be expanded by liquid 7 pressurethroughout part of its area, irrespective of other parts of its area,substantially as described.

3 10. In a centrifugal separatonthe combi- 1 ing passage and embod ing anon-expansible nation ofa rotatable member having a sepaelement with asleeve s 'aped expansible elerating surfaceja member differentiallyrotatable thereto forming with said first member a separating passage,the second member embodying an element in part forming liquid containingchambers and adapted to be eX- panded by liquid pressure relatively to agreater degree throughout one part of its area than another part, andmeans adapted to supply liquid to said chamber, substantially asdescribed.

11. In a centrifugal separator, the combi nation of a rotatable member,havin a separating surface, a deflector differentia ly rotatable theretoforming with said member a separating passage which is adapted tocontain a body of water while in operation, the deflector embodying anexterior portion adapted to be expanded by liquid pressure throughoutparts of its area and means adapted to regulate expanding pressure overparts of said area of said exterior portion irrespective of other partsthereof, substantially as described 12. In a centrifugal separator, thecombination of a rotatable member having a sepa rating surface, adifferentially rotatable de fleetor forming together with said member aseparating passage and embodying a suhstantially non-expansible part.and on the circumference thereof an expansible part adapted to beexpanded byliquid pressur said two parts forming a liquid chamber withinthe deflector and means for introducing liquid in said chamber, wherebyexpansion is effected, substantially as des u-ieed.

13. Ina centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberhaving a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflectorforming vs ith said member.- a sepae rating passage, and embodying anon-expansible part and on the circumference thereof an expansible part,said two parts forming multiple liquid chambers substantially closedwith respect to each other, and means for supplying liquid in relativelyvarying quantities to the separate chambers, substantially as described.

14. In a centrifugal separator, the combi nation of a rotatable. memberhaving a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflectorforming v. 1th said mein er a separating passage and embodyingasubstantially non-expansible supporting part and on the circumferencethereof an expansible part, said two parts forming a substantiallycontinuous liquid chamber around the circumference of the non-expansiblepart, and means for, introducing liquid to said chambers, substantiallyas described.

15. In a centrifugal se ')arator, the combination of a rotatable vesselhaving a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflectorforming with said vessel a separatment secured on its circumference,said elements forming multiple substantiallycircumferentially.continuous liquid chambers around the non-expansibleelement and means adapted to supply li uid to the respective chambers,substantiall y as described.

16. In a'centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberhaving a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflectorforming in part with said member,

a separating passage and embodying a non-' expansible element and on thec1rcumference thereof an expansible element, said two elements in partforming multiple substantially circumferentially continuous liquidchambers around the non-cxpansible elethereof an cxpansible element, thetwo elements in part forming multiple substantially circumferentiallycontinuous liquid chambers around the non-expansible element, meansadapted to supply liquid to the'respecfive chambers and adjustable meansadapted to automatically limit the quantity of liquid contained in saidchambers, substantially as described.

1.8. In a centrifugalseparator, the combination of a rotatable elementhaving a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflectorforming with said element a separating passage and embodying anon-expansible element and on the circumference thereof an expansibleelement, said t o elem nts forming multiple substantiallycircumferentially continuous liquid chambers around the non-expansibleelement, and an adjustable ccnduit with an opening adapted .to operateagainst the surface (if the expansion liquid affecting said chambers forremovalthereof, substantially as described.

19. in a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberhaving a se"p aratin surface a diifrrentiallv rotatable dellectorforming with said member a sepanation of a rotatable member ha\ ing aseparating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector forming withsaid member a separating passage, said deflector embodyinc a yieldablefrictional scouring element adapted to operate between two bodies ofliquid under pressure, and to .be expanded or contracted by therelatively varying pressures of the two bodies of liquid, and means forsupplying liquid on both sides of said element, substantially asdescribed.

21. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberhaving a separating surface, a differentially rotatable deflector,forming with said member a separating passage and embodying asupportiner part and a yieldable frictional part secured to thesupporting part forming a liquid chambar and adapted to operate betweentwo bodies of liquid under pressure and to be ex-' panded and contractedby the body of liquid exerting the greater pressure thereon, meanshaving annular liquid channels within the deflector, means forintroducing liquid into said channels and means for introducing liquidinto a separating channel, substantially as described.

22. In a centrifugal separator, the combi nation of a rotatable membermounted on a supportina shaft and havinq a separating surface,adifferentially rotatable deflector within said member secured to anelement journaled around said shaft, the deflector embodying a yieldableelement-adapted to be expanded and contracted by liquid pressure, asupporting element to said yieldable element, and means for rotating thsupport ing element around the shaft, substantially as described.

23. In a centrifu al separator, the combination of a rotatable vesselmounted on a supporting shaft and havine a separatinq surface, journalboxes eneaeing said shaft, a differentially rotatable deflector withinthe vessel forming therewith a separating passage adapted to hold waterwhile in operation, the deflector embodying a supportine' elementenqaaing a sleeve journaled around the vessel shaft and a yieldableelement secured to said supporting element, adapted to operate betweentwo bodies of liquid in the separator and to be expanded or contractedby the body of liquid exerting the greatest pressure thereon, means forintroducing, liquid to both sides of said yield able element. and meansfor effecting rotation of the vessel and deflector, substantially asdescribed.

24. In a centrifugal separator, the combination of a rotatable memberhaving a separating surface, a deflector differentially rotatablethereto forming with said member a separating passage, which is adaptedto contain a body of liquid while in operation, said deflector embodyingexpansible and contractible means adapted through the instrumentality ofliquid pressure to be periodically expanded and contracted there by efecting: contra tion and enlargement of the separating pave 5e, and meansfor limiting; the quantity of expan ion liquid within the deflector,substantially as described.

25. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatablemember having separating surface, a member differentially rotatablethereto in part forn'iing with the first member leeparatinp passage, thesecond member embodying an element in proximity to theseparating surfaceadapted to be expanded during operation and to be automaticallycontracted by pressure of liquid in the separating passage and meansadapted to supply liquid to the separating passage, substantially asdescribed.

26. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatablemember having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatablethereto in part forming with the first member a separating passage whichis adapted to contain body of liquid while in operation, a yieldablyexpansibla element adapted to be automatically conracted by ure ofliquid inthe separating passage, :1 s adapted to effect yieldableexpansion of said expansible element and means for introducing: liquidinto the separating passage, substantiz-illy as described.

combination of a rotatable member, having rotatable thereto'in pertforming with the first men'iber r repainting passage, the secondmember-embo lying; an element in proximity to the separating surface,adapted to auton'iatically yield to the relatively varying expansion andcompression forces operating on its respective sides, effectingsubstantial contraction or enlr 'gement of the separating passage andmeans for limiting said expansion force independently of the rotatingspeed of said second member, substantially as described.

28. In a centrifugal ore separator, the combination of a rotatablemember having a separating surface, a member differentially rotatablethereto in part forming with the first member a separating passage, thesecondmember embodying an element in to be expanded during operation andto be contracted by pressure of liquid in the separating passage, meansadapted to limit expansion pressure on said flexible element variableindependently of variation of the rotating speed of said element, andmeans adapted to supply liquid to the separating passage, substantiallyas described.

combination of a rotatable member having a separating surface, a memberdifferentially rotatable thereto in part forming with the 27. In acentrifugal ore separator, the

a separating surface, a member differentially proximity to theseparating surface, adapted 29. In a centrifugal ore separator, the.

,tojbe expanded during operation, relatively 'to a greaterdegree'throughout one part of i Witnesses:

first member a separating passage, the secrating passage, and meansadapted to supply 01rd member embodying an element in pr0X- "liquid tothe separating passage, substanimity to the. separating surface adapted:tially as described.

' PHILIP F. PECK.

JOHN CAMPBELL, JESSE E. PE K.

its area than another part thereof and to be contracted by pressure ofliquid in the sepa-

